Commissioner highlights work of Constabulary after conclusion of murder trial

 

A man who brutally murdered and mutilated a Cheshire businesswoman was found guilty of her murder on Thursday 25 July 2013. Today, Friday 26 July, David Ryan, 48, was sentenced to 34 years for the murder of 54-year-old Diana Lee.

Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said: "The hard work and dedication by Cheshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service have brought this case to a successful close. I hope that the verdict and sentence given to Mr Ryan, gives the family of Diana Lee the closure they deserve. My heartfelt condolences go out to Diana’s family."

Since the 9 August 2012, officers and staff across a variety of departments in Cheshire Constabulary have worked hard to; secure the scene, reassure local residents, find and secure evidence and appeal for help in newspapers and via television programmes.

Crimes like this one require significant investment in time and resource in the hidden side of policing that people don’t see on a day to day basis. For example, a great deal of energy, skill and expertise went into the forensic process, financial analysis and telecoms investigation to bring the offender to justice.

John added: "I want to praise all of the officers and staff for all of their commitment to make sure that no stone was left unturned so justice could be found for Ms Lee and her family. The way the departments worked together to form a case for the Crown Prosecution Service ensured that this abhorrent individual was taken off Cheshire’s streets.

Another key element of this case was the intelligence Cheshire Constabulary received from members of the public with regards to various appeals sent out in the search for the silver Corsa and Ryan’s bicycle.

John said: "Members of the public provided officers and staff with information and intelligence which helped them to piece together what happened between Diana and Ryan on the night of her death and the days that followed.

Results like this show the relationship between the police and the public and how working together can help to bring fantastic results and make Cheshire a safer place to live."